The second E. C. Workshop on Ultrasonic Tissue Characterization was organized for the assessment of research goals and plans as the basis to a grant proposal for a "Concerted Action" which will be forwarded to the European Commission. It should, therefore, not only be considered as a work in progress exhibition which succeeded the former activities within the E. C. (Inventory on Tissue Characterization in Europe and first Workshop). The Steering Group invited a 1 imited group of Institutes to send its group leader and a research fel low in the entitled field, who should expose the overall research program, as wei 1 as the more specific work on tissue characterization by RF signal analysis and spectroscopy. The ultimate goal of the Workshop has been the formulation of schemes of interaction among the Institutes and individuals and the definition of cooperative research programs. The remainder of the groups and some of the groups present are working in the field of analysis and processing of cl inical A- and B-mode echograms (i. e. video signals). Because this work is more closely related to the cl inical diagnostics it was decided that for that reason no preparatory workshop was needed. In the final proposal for the Concerted Action this work wi 1 1 get ample attention. Although not many clinicians were present, their positive interest in the sophisticated analysis techniques and their contribution to the dis cussions again have been a most valuable and stimulating experience.

The second E. C. Workshop on Ultrasonic Tissue Characterization was organized for the assessment of research goals and plans as the basis to a grant proposal for a "Concerted Action" which will be forwarded to the European Commission. It should, therefore, not only be considered as a work in progress exhibition which succeeded the former activities within the E. C. (Inventory on Tissue Characterization in Europe and first Workshop). The Steering Group invited a 1 imited group of Institutes to send its group leader and a research fel low in the entitled field, who should expose the overall research program, as wei 1 as the more specific work on tissue characterization by RF signal analysis and spectroscopy. The ultimate goal of the Workshop has been the formulation of schemes of interaction among the Institutes and individuals and the definition of cooperative research programs. The remainder of the groups and some of the groups present are working in the field of analysis and processing of cl inical A- and B-mode echograms (i. e. video signals). Because this work is more closely related to the cl inical diagnostics it was decided that for that reason no preparatory workshop was needed. In the final proposal for the Concerted Action this work wi 1 1 get ample attention. Although not many clinicians were present, their positive interest in the sophisticated analysis techniques and their contribution to the dis cussions again have been a most valuable and stimulating experience."

"The Northern Lands: Germanic Europe, c.1270-c.1500" explores the unique regional identity that developed in the lands bordering the Baltic and North Seas during Europe's late medieval period. Offers an original thematic overview including government, law, language, family relations, urbanization, and economy
Maintains a comparative perspective
Includes English translations from key original sources
Includes illustrations, maps, and original diagrams to enhance readers understanding
Features a unique map of the Low Countries that includes the entire region and marks the frontiers between areas of Romance and Germanic language

The initial chapters of A Logical God investigate the development of early religious motivations that caused a wide variety of unique beliefs to evolve. Most early civilizations were curious, amazed or frightened by death and the apparent power of unknown "spirits" experienced during violent changes in the earth''s environment such as storms or geotectonic eruptions. However, the silence and beauty of the night skies probably created different thoughts of wonderment about how these natural phenomena began. Some cultures chose to invent deities to be the sources of power over everything known and unknown. The topics of science and religion are also investigated early in A Logical God. As people became more knowledgeable of basic science they were drawn to learn more about the universe and the many types of energy involved with its creation. Therefore, the theories of evolution and creation are compared to evaluate beliefs in religion versus naturalism. Early chapters also summarize the development of major organized religions beliefs to permit a better understanding. Four subsequent chapters discuss the specific beliefs of the Judeo-Christian religions. The latter half of the book explores basic topics such as the God of the Jews and Christians, dying and spiritual life. A Logical God closes by discussing everyone''s responsibility of utilizing their faith to take action toward truly improving life on earth. By strengthening and utilizing spiritual faith, individuals can unite and create positive influences on society and even direct politicians and technology to focus more on communities'' most basic problems.